Everything that is right with the world

Queen Victoria’s shoes

August 21, 2009

These shoes were worn by Queen Victoria in 1840 and are identical to the pair she wore on her wedding day. This pair, like her wedding shoes, is similarly embellished with ribbon appliqué and has very delicate elastic across the instep. The white kid gloves were also worn by the Queen. Queen Victoria ruled over the British Empire from 1837 to 1901.

These pink silk shoes were owned by Count Walewski’s first wife. They were made by the famed shoe maker Melnotte of 20 Rue de la Paix, Paris and 23 Old Bond Street in London.
France, c. 1830

No matter how much googeling I did I couldn’t find much on this shoe maker, I’d like to know more….anyone?

Not sure how old the queen was when my great grandpa (4 generations ago) made her shoes and leather goods ( I could probably look up the dates for you). His name was Joseph Lacey. Born in 1831. He and his family lived on the queens grounds on the Isle of Wight. His daughter Mary Ann Lacey used to play with the queens ladies in waiting when she was a child. I do know that he used to travel to France to get the finer quality leather. Hope this helps…
Take care,
Shelley